FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 31, 2005

HEALTH DEPARTMENT TO HOLD FLU CLINICS FOR RESIDENTS & COUNTY EMPLOYEES

Since the flu season has not yet peaked, it is not too late to receive a flu vaccine. The Westchester County Department of Health will be holding four separate flu vaccination clinics to accommodate residents and County employees who would like to receive a flu shot. The county clinics are open to people eighteen years of age or older who would like to obtain a flu vaccination. The vaccine will be free of charge for these clinics only.

The clinics will be held at locations in White Plains, New Rochelle and Yonkers between February 4^th and February 15^th. Appointments are required and can be scheduled by calling the Health Department’s Flu Hotline, Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., at (914) 813-5609.

The Health Department recently received an additional 13,600 doses of flu vaccine which is being directly distributed to physicians, hospitals and healthcare facilities and is being used for these clinics. Any healthcare facility or physician still in need of flu vaccine for their patients should contact the Health Department at (914) 813-5609, Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., to request a supply.

New York State has broadened the criteria for those eligible to receive flu vaccination and the county has followed suit by expanding the eligibility guidelines to include anyone who is a County resident or employee who would like to receive the flu vaccine. While the criteria for receiving the shot have been expanded, it is important to note that the following groups of people must still consult their primary care provider as to whether to receive the flu shot:

Those who are allergic to eggs;
Those who have had a serious reaction to the flu vaccine in the past (i.e. fever, rash or breathing difficulties.);
Those who have had Guillain-Barre Syndrome, a neurological illness following viral infections or have a chronic neurological illness;
Those who have an acute illness with fever or serious breathing difficulties.

MORE

Flu Shot Clinics Scheduled P.2

In addition to flu vaccination, there are several behavioral practices helpful in preventing the spread of flu. These practices can be summarized in “Four C’s”:

1. Contact: Avoid close contact with people who are sick. If you are sick, keep your distance from

others to prevent them from getting sick. Equally important is avoiding contact with your eyes, nose and mouth since the virus spreads by entering the mucous membranes in these areas.

2. Contain: If you are sick, stay home from work, school or public areas. By doing so, you will help to prevent others from getting sick.

3. Cover: Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you sneeze or cough to protect others from getting sick. Since you may be contagious even before you realize you are sick, it is important to make this habit routine.

4. Clean: Clean your hands in hot soapy water often. Hand washing is one of the most effective, yet overlooked ways of preventing the spread of illness.

All these steps are simple and effective, but hand washing is of the utmost importance. Through its W.A.S.H. Up Westchester Campaign initiated last summer, the Westchester County Health Department helps spread the word about the effectiveness of hand washing in protecting against influenza and other communicable diseases.

“I encourage individuals, workplaces, schools, and other agencies to join our campaign. Visit our website, www.westchestergov.com/health to download our Handwashing Kit and get started!” Dr. Lipsman said.

The correct way to wash your hands is as follows:

1) First wet your hands and apply liquid or clean bar soap. Keep the bar soap on a rack that allows it to drain.

2) Next rub your hands vigorously together and scrub all surfaces.

3) Continue for 20 seconds. Tell kids to wash as long as it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice. It is soap combined with the scrubbing action that helps dislodge and remove germs.

4) Rinse well and dry your hands.

Up-to-date information on flu vaccine availability will continue to be made available through the Health Department’s 24-hour Flu Information Line at 813-5609 and the Health Department’s website, www.westchestergov.com/health.

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